University Archives Electronic Theses, Dissertations, and Prize Papers

Project Request

The University Archives provides onsite access to print copies of Harvard theses, dissertations, and prize papers in the Archives' reading room. In accordance with the Harvard Corporation vote of January 22, 1951, these works are subject to a five-year restriction (no copying or distribution for five years from the date of degree or prize award):

“The literary rights, including those of publication, copying extracts, or closely paraphrasing from the manuscript, shall remain the property of the author, except that the University shall have the right to make available to the public and copyright any unpublished thesis or prize paper at any time after the expiration of five years from the time it was accepted. Every reader using one of these manuscripts shall be required to sign a printed acknowledgement of the fact that all literary rights are so reserved.”

When researchers visit the Archives' reading room to use theses, dissertations, and prize papers, they are required to sign a form acknowledging this restriction and specifying that they must seek the written permission of the author to make copies of the work.

During the pandemic, providing access to these materials has not been possible.  The Archives believes that Alma-D is a good solution to allow controlled digital access for students seeking to virtually access recent theses and prize papers. In partnership with Lee LaFleur, Director of Learning and Teaching Services for the Harvard College Libraries, the Archives would like to load the digital content and provide access to patrons via Alma D in time for the Spring 2021 semester that begins on January 25th, 2021.

Project Leads

Library Lead - Robin McElheny

Library Team - Ross Mulcare, Kate Bowers, Lee LaFleur

LTS Lead - Corinna Baksik

Tasklist